Intern in the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department - Lunar Image Super-Resolution - European Space Agency (Darmstadt)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Space Agency on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Review state-of-the-art techniques for multi-image super-resolution and image reconstruction
• Investigate the characteristics and limitations of existing lunar image datasets
• Utilise algorithms for precise image registration and sub-pixel alignment of lunar orbital imagery
• Implement reconstruction techniques combining multiple observations into enhanced-resolution products
• Assess the influence of illumination conditions, viewing geometry and image quality on reconstruction performance
• Validate the generated products using higher-resolution reference datasets where available
• Evaluate the potential benefits for lunar landing site characterisation, terrain mapping and hazard assessment

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: University student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of Master's level course, with proof of enrollment for the entire duration of the internship
• Languages: English, French
• Key skills: Python / C++ coding, Image processing

Contract and working arrangements

Working arrangements: ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany.

Hiring unit: Mission Analysis Section, Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department.

Position details

Reference

1452809333

Last Verified

4 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department - Lunar Image Super-Resolution at ESA based in Darmstadt (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452809333.

Job Requisition ID:21143

Date Posted:1 November 2026

Closing Date:30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method:External Only

Location ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Our team and mission

​​The Mission Analysis Section is the solution architect for future terrestrial, lunar, minor-body and ​interplanetary missions, as well as scientific missions to other planets or missions to the libration points. The emphasis is on trajectory optimisation and attitude-related aspects, and on providing ​solutions for the spacecraft itself, the ground segment design, and operations preparations.

​In recent years, the section has expanded its activities towards lunar surface analysis, supporting landing site selection, hazard assessment, and mission design for future Moon missions.​

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website:http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

​​Future lunar missions require detailed knowledge of the surface environment for landing site selection and mission planning. However, the spatial resolution of existing lunar orbital imagery limits the detection and characterisation of sub-pixel scale terrain features, posing a risk to landing safety.

​The objective of this internship is to investigate and develop methodologies for generating enhanced-resolution lunar surface imagery, by exploiting the slight differences in spacecraft position and camera pointing between repeated observations of the same area under similar lighting conditions. The working hypothesis is that reconstruction of surface details at a higher effective resolution than that of the original sensor should be achievable.

​

As an intern, you will have the following tasks:

- Review state-of-the-art techniques for multi-image super-resolution and image reconstruction; - ​investigate the characteristics and limitations of existing lunar image datasets; - ​utilise algorithms for precise image registration and sub-pixel alignment of lunar orbital imagery; - ​implement reconstruction techniques combining multiple observations into enhanced-resolution products; - ​assess the influence of illumination conditions, viewing geometry and image quality on reconstruction performance; - ​validate the generated products using higher-resolution reference datasets where available; - ​evaluate the potential benefits for lunar landing site characterisation, terrain mapping and hazard assessment.​

Behavioural competencies

Education

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

Knowledge and background in the following is an asset:

- Python / C++ coding; - image processing.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 4 November 2026, 3 days ago.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, 21 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 4 November 2026 (3 days ago).

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at ESA see the ESA institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Darmstadt see our Darmstadt location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.